Tag: wellness

  • Let Me Tell You About Shep

    Let Me Tell You About Shep

    He was a good boy. Really. Yes, he wanted to herd anything and everything. He would eat whole sticks of butter and chewing gum with xylitol (which would have to come back up). He’d steal whole sandwiches when you weren’t looking. But he was always up for an adventure. He would go walking with you…

  • Understanding Common Chemotherapy Side Effects (Part 1)

    Understanding Common Chemotherapy Side Effects (Part 1)

    There are a wide range of side effects associated with chemotherapy treatments. Some are serious while others are more a nuisance. Here’s a look at seven common side effects and ways to cope. Fatigue Fatigue, or tiredness, is one of the most common complaints that I hear from patients. Depending on the treatment regimen, there…

  • Pandemic Adaptations

    Pandemic Adaptations

    I graduated from nursing school in the middle of the pandemic. Started my nursing career working on a PCU unit, watching people yank their bipap masks off in the middle of the night because they were so confused by hypoxia. To say that I adapted would be somewhat accurate, I suppose. Like everyone, I coped…

  • Morning Rituals, and That Precious First Hour

    Morning Rituals, and That Precious First Hour

    In the morning, I typically do the same things: When I wake up, I often pray before I even get out of bed. I get up and make my bed, before I’m even awake lol (it’s better to do it and get it over with!) I go down and drink my coffee (that I program…

  • A Vocational Call… to the Convent

    A Vocational Call… to the Convent

    So, it didn’t happen when I was five. I didn’t want to be anything then. I was just vibing in my kindergarten class with Mrs. Lewis (best kindergarten teacher ever), cutting out construction paper with those giant, rounded plastic kiddie scissors that literally don’t cut anything. But let me backtrack. By kindergarten, I should add,…

  • Understanding

    Understanding

    “What’s something most people don’t understand?” Something most people don’t understand is how much things can change in an instant. Or maybe it’s more like people choose not to recognize this. It’s easier to think that “it will never happen to me.” I see a lot of patients on a weekly basis who are getting…

  • Set Back (Or… What to do When Life Gives You Lemons and a $2500 Car Repair)

    Set Back (Or… What to do When Life Gives You Lemons and a $2500 Car Repair)

    Throw them back. Immediately. Take those lemons and nail life in the face. It happens. Something out of your control. And you have a big setback. Whether the setback is with a personal goal like going to the gym, a work goal, or a new habit you’re trying to lock in. Sometimes it’s finances. You’re…

  • How often do you say no?

    How often do you say no?

    “How often do you “say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?” I say “no” daily, in more than one way… By making my own coffee, I’m saying “no” to pricier coffee bar coffees. I have been diligent with making dinner, usually 6 nights a week, saying “no” to take-out and restaurant dinners.…

  • Influenced

    Influenced

    “Who was your most influential teacher? Why?” I’ve had a few teachers in my days that were very impactful to me. My eighth grade algebra teacher. My college art teacher. My kindergarten teacher. My organic chemistry teacher. The kids I played hacky-sack with in college. Rock climbing and running. My first nursing instructor. My last…

  • Curious

    Curious

    “What is one word that describes you?” I’m a curious kind of person. I’ve been that way as long as I can remember. The other day (Sunday to be specific) I decided to get some type of beef roast. I wanted to try our new crockpot that I had gotten for Christmas since my old…